Third Group of Endangered Whooping Cranes Completes Ultralight-led Migration, Reaching Winter Home at Florida’s Chassahowitzka NWR

Sixteen whooping cranes following three ultralight aircraft reached their winter home today, completing a 1,225-mile migration from Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge along Floridas central Gulf Coast.

Prior to landing at a special four-acre site at Chassahowitzka, the young cranes made a rare public appearance, flying over a welcoming crowd of 1, 000 supporters at the Crystal River Mall.